By Michael Gonzalez
DULUTH, Ga. — The Atlanta Gladiators stunned the Trois-Rivières Lions on Friday night at Gas South Arena, earning a 4-1 victory in their first home game in 26 days.
The Gladiators looked to bounce back from their loss Thursday night against the Greenville Swamp Rabbits.
The Gladiators opened the scoring as Colton Friesen scored his fourth goal of the season, assisted by Ben Strinden with 6:34 remaining in the first period. With that goal, Friesen tied Mike McNamee for the team lead in goals. The Lions would equal the scoring as Nolan Hutcherson scored with 2:27 left in the first period on the power play.
Physicality was the name of the game in the second period as more penalties were called. Captain Andrew Jarvis was called for a controversial penalty while trying to protect himself from a boarding call by Brooklyn Kalmikov. The only goal scored in the second was by the Gladiators' Blake Humphrey 5:05 into the period, with assists by Brody Crane and Austin Roest. This marked Humphrey's first ECHL goal of his ECHL career after he signed with Atlanta on Nov. 11.
Ben Strinden extended Atlanta's lead to 3-1 with a goal 9:47 into the third period. Similar to the second period, the third was just as physical, with more scrums. The Gladiators were not finished, as Ryan Conroy sealed the deal with an empty net goal with 3:35 left in the game to secure the 4-1 victory.
Ethan Haider stopped 28/29 in the victory, outdueling Francesco Lapenna who stopped 22/26 shots faced. Atlanta went 0/6 on the power play and 4/5 on the penalty kill in the win.
The game was part of the Gladiators' "Lucky 13" theme night, celebrating Friday the 13th with special game promotions. The Gladiators return to Gas South Arena on Sunday, Nov. 15, when they rematch the Lions on Military Night. Puck drop is set for 3:10 p.m., get your tickets HERE or by calling 770-497-5100!
Adirondack Thunder
Allen Americans
Atlanta Gladiators
Bloomington Bison
Cincinnati Cyclones
Florida Everblades
Fort Wayne Komets
Greensboro Gargoyles
Greenville Swamp Rabbits
Idaho Steelheads
Indy Fuel
Jacksonville Icemen
Kalamazoo Wings
Kansas City Mavericks
Maine Mariners
New Mexico Goatheads
Norfolk Admirals
Orlando Solar Bears
Rapid City Rush
Reading Royals
Savannah Ghost Pirates
South Carolina Stingrays
Tahoe Knight Monsters
Toledo Walleye
Trenton Ironhawks
Trois-Rivières Lions
Tulsa Oilers
Wheeling Nailers
Wichita Thunder
Worcester Railers